Engines containing cylinders in multiples of three are the best sounding, most enjoyable type around. This is the unavoidable conclusion you arrive at the first time you prod the Aygo’s throttle. However, character counts for nothing if push-bikes pose a threat, and thankfully there’s enough performance for the car not to feel ponderous on the road.
From rest it reaches 60mph in 11.7sec and in fourth gear our test car reached a 98mph mean maximum on the high-speed bowl. Through-the-gears pace was a touch disappointing, with 30-70mph taking 12.7sec.
Unlike some three-cylinder units, the Aygo’s revs quite quickly and doesn’t suffer at the hands of a recalcitrant flywheel. Perhaps the biggest problem is that using all of the available 6000rpm is a necessity.
Gearchange quality has long been a small-car prerogative, and the Aygo is a great exponent of the art. The long, spindly lever can be yanked about with brutal speed and there’s a wonderful dichotomy between the subjective experience and the reality displayed on the speedometer. Toyota offers a semi-automatic ’box called MMT (multi-mode transmission), but we can’t see the point in spending the extra £500 required.
If you could identify the perfect application for electric power steering, the Aygo would be very high up the list. Its intended role is predominantly urban and will involve many tight manoeuvres, so it comes as no surprise that the Aygo’s electric rack is largely lifeless at speed because it’s a twirling dervish in town.
The chassis, too, has sensibly been optimised for low-speed town work and the result is a pleasantly compliant ride. The car bobs around a little, but it’s also obvious once you crash into one of Britain’s ever-subsiding drainage covers that the Aygo has an extremely stiff bodyshell.
Clear of town there is less to enjoy. The Aygo has moderate grip levels, consistent but ultimately limited damping and a lean angle that Renault 4 owners will find familiar.